Richard is a Marine veteran who was subject to 4 IED explosions and concussions in Iraq, his best friend being killed next to him, a traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress. He came home dealing with a lot and the arts ultimately saved his life. Richard felt called to bring this secret weapon of healing to his fellow veterans and this year alone his nonprofit CreatiVets will serve over 800 veterans!
Richard is a Marine veteran who was subject to 4 IED explosions and concussions in Iraq, his best friend being killed next to him, a traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress. He came home dealing with a lot and the arts ultimately saved his life. Richard felt called to bring this secret weapon of healing to his fellow veterans and this year alone his nonprofit CreatiVets will serve over 800 veterans!
Veteran Richard McKinney hated Muslims and after returning from Iraq, he couldn’t stand seeing “the enemy” in his community of Muncie, Indiana. He visited their mosque to justify his planned bombing of it, but their love for him completely transformed his heart. Ultimately, Richard converted to Islam and even served as the mosque’s President.
Veteran Richard McKinney hated Muslims and after returning from Iraq, he couldn’t stand seeing “the enemy” in his community of Muncie, Indiana. He visited their mosque to justify his planned bombing of it, but their love for him completely transformed his heart. Ultimately, Richard converted to Islam and even served as the mosque’s President.
There are 677,000 volunteer firefighters across America and Ellen Yarborough joined their ranks at 45 years old. The history teacher then accidentally pioneered giving her students academic credit for their service as fire cadets, which they can do as young as 14 years old! Her model called “Schoolhouse to Firehouse” is inspiring the next generation of firefighters and community leaders.
There are 677,000 volunteer firefighters across America and Ellen Yarborough joined their ranks at 45 years old. The history teacher then accidentally pioneered giving her students academic credit for their service as fire cadets, which they can do as young as 14 years old! Her model called “Schoolhouse to Firehouse” is inspiring the next generation of firefighters and community leaders.
This episode is kind of a “betweener”— part Normal Folks and part our special series Supporting Greatness. It may seem like a stretch to call a Medal of Honor recipient normal, but he wasn’t some big wig general, literally went house to house clearing insurgents in Iraq, and it’s not like he campaigned for the medal. But we definitely wanted to interview David about who’s supported him and he powerfully talks about his grandfather, his dad, the men he served with in the “Ramrods”, and a Gold Star mom.
When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial.
When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial.
When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney’s life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his “50 Yard Challenge” has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries!
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